SOLSTICE

, in Astronomy, is the time when the sun is in one of the solstitial points, that is, when he is at the greatest distance from the equator, which is now nearly 23° 28′ on either side of it. It is so called, because the sun then seems to stand still, and not to change his place, as to declination, either way.

There are two Solstices, in each year, when the sun is at the greatest distance on the north and south sides of the ecliptic; viz, the estival or summer solstice, and the hyemal or winter solstice.

The Summer Solstice is when the sun is in the tropic of Cancer; which is about the 21st of June, when he makes the longest day. And

The Winter Solstice is when he enters the first degree of Capricorn; which is about the 22d day of December, when he makes the shortest day.

This is to be understood, as in our northern hemisphere; for in the southern, the sun's entrance into Capricorn makes their summer Solstice, and that into Cancer the winter one. So that it is more precise and determinate, to say the northern and southern Solstice.

SOLSTITIAL Points, are those points of the ecliptic the sun is in at the times of the two Solstices, being the first points of Cancer and Capricorn, which are diametrically opposite to each other.

Solstitial Colure, is that which passes through the Solstitial points.